Examples of Juvenile Crime Charges

September 20, 2015

Juvenile crimes are crimes committed by an individual aged eight or older but less than 18 years of age in Arizona. Crimes committed by minors are often treated differently than adult crimes, but should still be considered a serious situation. If your child has been accused of a juvenile crime, it’s important to contact a competent criminal defense attorney to help you handle the situation and prevent or lessen the charges your child may face.  

Juvenile Weapons Possession

Arizona state law restricts the purchase or creation and possession of weapons under certain circumstances. Juveniles can be charged with illegal weapons possession if they are discovered with a weapon in restricted or specified locations. Illegal weapons can include firearms, exploding ammunition, and switchblades, as well as makeshift weapons of many types.

Theft or Shoplifting

Theft and shoplifting are common juvenile criminal charges that carry with them a variety of penalties, depending on the value of the materials stolen and the location from which they were taken. The penalties for these crimes can range from release into parental custody for punishment to confinement in a juvenile detention facility and legal restitution for the goods that were stolen.

Vandalism

Vandalism and property destruction are considered criminal offenses that involve the intentional destruction of another’s property. In the majority of cases, vandalism charges are treated identically for both children and adults, although the conviction and punishment of a minor is handled by the juvenile justice system. The penalties for vandalism are similar to those for theft, and include restitution, fines, probation, and detention.  

A criminal conviction can affect your child for many years to come—Attorney Janet Altschuler has the experience and dedication necessary to defend your child’s rights in juvenile court. Please click through our website to find out more about our criminal defense services in Tucson, or call (520) 247-1789 (local) or (866) 377-7808 (toll-free).